follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfä-lə-wər 

1

a

: one in the service of another : retainer

b

: one that follows the opinions or teachings of another

c

: one that imitates another

2

archaic : one that chases

3

: a sheet added to the first sheet of an indenture or other deed

4

: a machine part that receives motion from another part

5

: a spring-loaded plate at the bottom of a firearm's magazine that angles cartridges for proper insertion into the chamber

6

: fan, devotee

7

: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media

His account has thousands of followers.

Synonyms

• acolyte
• adherent
• convert
• disciple
• epigone
• liege man
• partisan
• partizan
• pupil
• votarist
• votary

Choose the Right Synonym for follower

follower, adherent, disciple, partisan mean one who gives full loyalty and support to another.

follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

Examples of follower in a Sentence

The party drew most of its followers from among young people.

The band has a large group of followers.

He had a reputation of being a follower, not a leader.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a few emotional posts on TikTok, Megan Kingsbury shared the devastating news with her followers. —Jordan Kinsey, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2024

And on Friday, she’s expected to thrill her followers at one of the world’s biggest music festivals — on the same day as Lana Del Rey and the Deftones. —Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Call Her Daddy followers also clocked Siwa wearing a muscle tank top with a graphic of her own face on it. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024

Another group of 16 Crabb followers didn't fare as well. —The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

On Instagram and TikTok today, Stewart McGraw shares her daily outfits with her followers. —Maia Torres, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2024

Multiple other artists and managers interviewed for this article have been the target of multiple bot attacks, which generated massive amounts of artificial streams and fake followers. —Ari Herstand, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024

Still others tell hundreds of thousands of followers to buy 6,000-pound vehicles, then write off the sticker price, maintenance and fuel. —Julie Zauzmer Weil, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Over the past decade, every major religious group in America has seen its number of followers flatline or fall, according to new polling. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing follower

• camp follower

Kids Definition

follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfäl-ə-wər 

1

: attendant entry 2 sense 1

2

: supporter, adherent

3

: disciple sense 1

4

: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media